AIKCU President Gary S. Cox, board chair John Roush, and chair-elect Bill Huston testified this morning about the role of independent education in Kentucky before the House Postsecondary Budget Review Subcommittee. They were invited to testify by Rep. Arnold Simpson, the subcommittee chairman.

Dr. Cox provided a sector-level overview of the diversity of Kentucky’s independent colleges, the importance of Kentucky’s investment in student financial aid, the return on that investment for the Commonwealth, and ways that AIKCU campuses are innovating and collaborating to contain costs and focus on student success. [Download the handouts: AIKCU Presentation to Budget Review Subcommittee, 2/25/10 (PDF)]

President Roush (Centre College) and President Huston (St. Catharine College) talked about their very different institutions. The presidents talked about some of the successes and challenges they see from both ends of the independent college spectrum and challenged legislators to think about ways to increase the role of the independent sector in Kentucky.

Following the formal presentation there was a very positive and extended conversation between legislators and the presidents about the critical roles that Kentucky’s independent colleges can play in helping the state meet the goals of the landmark 1997 House Bill 1 postsecondary reform act.